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Yoshiwara District

Japanese

Artwork Details

Yoshiwara District
early 18th century
Japanese
handscroll fragment, ink and color on paper
12 5/8 in x 18 1/2 in (32.07 cm x 46.99 cm)
Gift of Mrs. Caroline I. Plumer for the James Marshall Plumer Collection
1980/2.209

Description

Subject Matter:

"The Yoshiwara district was the red light district of the city of Edo during the Edo Period (1603-1868). This is where high-class courtesans named oiran were housed, and all were treated equally here, from peasants to samurai. It was mandatory to leave your weapons at the entrance of Yoshiwara before passing. This area was home to more than 9,000 women from all over Japan. The most anticipated event by the visitors of Yoshiwara was the elegant and magnificent procession of the oiran. At this time, the oiran was the biggest superstar of the place, and it was very common for her to be revered."

“Yoshiwara District.” Japan City Tour, 13 July 2020, tctour.co.jp/areaguide/yoshiwara-district.html.

Physical Description:

Six courtesans are sitting in a separate room, each in a different kimono while four samurais stand outside the room. There is another man that is carrying supplies on his back.

Usage Rights:

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